23. This did a former Bishop
of the Church of Thagasta, Firmus by name, and even more firm in
will. For, when he was asked by command of the emperor, through
officers sent by him, for a man who was taking refuge with him, and
whom he kept in hiding with all possible care, he made answer to
their questions, that he could neither tell a lie, nor betray a
man; and when he had suffered so many torments of body, (for as yet
emperors were not Christian,) he stood firm in his purpose.
Thereupon being brought before the emperor, his conduct appeared so
admirable, that he without any difficulty obtained a pardon for the
man whom he was trying to save. What conduct could be more brave
and constant? But peradventure some more timid person may say, “I
can be prepared to bear any torments, or even to submit to death,
that I may not sin; but, since it is no sin to tell a lie such that
you neither hurt any man, nor bear false witness, and benefit some
man, it is foolish and a great sin, voluntarily and to no purpose
to submit to torments, and, when one’s health and life may haply
be useful, to fling them away for nothing to people in a rage.”
Of whom I ask; Why he fears that which is written, “Thou shall
not bear false witness,”23342334Exod. xx. 16 and fears not that which is said
unto God, “Thou wilt destroy all them that speak leasing?”23352335Ps. v. 6 Says he,
“It is not written, Every lie: but I understand it as if it were
written, Thou wilt destroy all that speak false witness.” But
neither there is it said, All false witness. “Yes, but it is set
there,” saith he, “where the other things are set down which
are in every sort evil.” What, is this the case with what is set
down there, “Thou shalt not kill?”23362336Exod. xx. 13 If this be in every sort evil, how
shall one clear of this crime even just men, who, upon a law given,
have 469killed many? “But,” it is rejoined, “that man doth
not himself kill, who is the minister of some just command.”
These men’s fear, then, I do accept, that I still think that
laudable man who would neither lie, nor betray a man, did both
better understand that which is written, and what he understood did
bravely put in practice.